In Yuxiu Palace, Consort Yi lounged gracefully on a rosewood couch. A gilded copper stove sat on the table beside her, gently emitting the fragrance of incense from the northwest—light and sweet, a scent she adored. Yet, despite the pleasant aroma, no one else in the room seemed to appreciate it.
Concubine Chu, anger simmering beneath her calm exterior, recounted the events that had unfolded before Consort Yi's arrival. She spun a tale about Lin Wanyi, exaggerating to the point of calling her a beauty who would bring disaster. "Your Highness!," Concubine Chu spat, "Lin Wanyi is nothing but a flatterer. If His Majesty truly favors her, then the Consort will be even more powerful!"
Her resentment for Lin Wanyi was palpable, but in truth, Lin Wanyi had done nothing to provoke her. It was likely a blow to her own self-esteem. When she had been in the boudoir, Concubine Chu had always been the one to stand out—her beauty was unmatched in the northwest, where military families were the norm. Now, however, in the palace, her looks seemed ordinary in comparison to Lin Wanyi's striking features, a fact that gnawed at her pride.
"The Imperial Consort can't bear a child herself, so she brought a beautiful young woman from her home. It's obvious what she's trying to do," Concubine Chu continued. "Everyone can see that. Madam, although our third prince is currently His Majesty's most favored, when more princes are born, that favor will inevitably be spread thin. If it affects the third prince's future, it will be disastrous."
Consort Yi, distracted, absentmindedly played with a jade roller her family had sent her. It was said to be effective for maintaining youthful skin. Though her features were plain, she was well-kept, and though older than Consort Lin, she appeared younger than Concubine Chu.
"What you see, Lin Wanyi can see as well," Consort Yi replied coolly. "Don't worry. The Lin family is in deep trouble. Let's wait and see."
Consort Yi had spent many years in the palace and knew the political currents well. She had a good sense of what was happening at the Lin family's mansion and felt that she didn't need to do anything—Consort Lin would keep Lin Wanyi from rising too quickly. After all, there was no room for two tigers on the same mountain. And as the Lin sisters consolidated their power, they might soon turn against each other.
Concubine Chu, unable to grasp the full depth of the situation, assumed Consort Yi was playing a dangerous game. If Consort Yi didn't suppress Lin Wanyi now, wouldn't she rise too high and eventually compete with her? Her jealousy burned, but she dared not voice her frustrations in front of Consort Yi.
Consort Yi, seeing the storm brewing in Concubine Chu's eyes, spoke up again. "This is Shengjing, not the northwest. Even if you want to deal with Lin, you must consider the Xiangfu behind her. Her grandfather is a significant figure in the court. Have you thought about whether the Chu family can afford to offend the Lin family?"
The sharpness of Consort Yi's words cut through Concubine Chu's arrogance. She was suddenly more aware of the precariousness of her position.
"Didn't you say she's not favored in the Xiangfu?" Concubine Chu ventured cautiously.
"No matter how unfavored she may be," Consort Yi replied, "She entered the palace as the second daughter of the Xiangfu. Whether she's favored or not, she and the Xiangfu are still closely tied. Do you understand?"
"I understand."
"Good. Now, don't make trouble. Your position in the palace isn't yet secure. Focus on earning His Majesty's favor. Don't lose sight of the small things in the pursuit of larger ones."
Concubine Chu, now sobered, understood her mistake. Lin Wanyi might be favored, but she was still only a small concubine. Meanwhile, as a noble lady, Concubine Chu had a chance to rise higher. If she could secure her position as a concubine, she would move into the glittering main hall of Yihua Palace, far above the petty rivalries below. Lin Wanyi seemed less significant now.
"Thank you, Madam, for your guidance," she said, her tone more respectful than before.
Consort Yi smiled and, seeing the change in Concubine Chu, softened her approach. She began to talk casually, sharing some amusing anecdotes from the northwest, which lightened the mood between them.
Unbeknownst to Concubine Chu, in the same palace garden, Lin Wanyi and another concubine were walking through the lush blooms of spring.
"I was born in Huaiyang County in Jiangnan," Mu Ying remarked, her eyes scanning the vibrant garden. "I've seen all kinds of flowers growing year-round, but I've never seen anything like these before."
She pointed toward a sea of delicate white flowers, their centers a soft egg yolk, and orange hues radiating from the middle, blooming in the warm sunlight.
"This is the pink hibiscus from the Western Regions," Mu Ying explained with enthusiasm. "I've seen a couple in my grandmother's room. They're very rare and valuable."
"From the Western Regions?" Lin Wanyi asked, intrigued.
"Yes, some Western caravans brought the flower seeds here, and experts in Shengjing City have cultivated them."
"Pink hibiscus?" Lin Wanyi smiled. "It looks similar to the hibiscus we're used to."
Mu Ying nodded. "Yes, this pink hibiscus comes in several colors, but the palace favors bright yellow, so they introduced a version with yellow mixed in."
"How fascinating," Lin Wanyi said, impressed. "Sister, you're so knowledgeable. I truly admire you."
Mu Ying beamed, flattered. "Thank you! It's just that I've always had an eye for beautiful things, especially flowers."
Lin Wanyi smiled warmly. "Then your birthday has already passed, hasn't it?"
Mu Ying nodded, a small sigh escaping her lips. "Yes, it has. This year's birthday was lonely. I spent it alone in the palace, with only my maid Ying'er by my side."
In the Wei Dynasty, the coming-of-age ceremony for women was a significant event, but for Mu Ying, it had been a quiet and solitary affair, far from her family. Lin Wanyi, moved by her situation, smiled gently.
"If you don't mind," Lin Wanyi said, "you can join me in the left hall for longevity noodles. Chunqi is an excellent cook. I'm sure she'd love to make you a bowl."
Mu Ying's face lit up, her sadness momentarily forgotten. "I'd love that, sister. Thank you!"
As they continued their walk through the palace garden, the bonds of friendship between them quietly blossomed, each finding a small comfort in the other's company.